President Trump had what he called “a little fun” with Coast Guard Academy graduates as he called them on stage Wednesday while making humorous quips about their looks and fitness.
Trump, who returned to the New London, Conn., academy for the second time as president, impressed upon the cadets the importance of their new role serving in the armed forces while doubling as the ceremony’s comedian.
The shout-outs began with the class of 2026’s top academic achiever, Matthew Lanzilotta of Virginia Beach.
Trump with Cadet Brock Desta. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
President Trump speaks during the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin“Come on, get up here. I want to see this guy,” Trump said as he summoned the tall and clean-cut cadet to the stage for a handshake.
“I hate good-looking men,” Trump muttered as Lanzilotta, wearing a crisp white uniform, exited the stage.
Trump next appraised wrestler Thomas Rhodes of Last Forest Park, Wash., who earned a perfect score on all academy fitness tests.
“I want to check him out,” the president said.
“This is not UFC. Please understand that, Thomas,” Trump said, feigning fear as the stocky cadet approached him.
“Look at the muscles on this guy. I just hit him on the shoulder. I hurt my hand. It’s like hitting a rock!”
Trump then called upon Mike Kettish of Leesburg, Va., to recognize his achievement in joining the special forces, saying he wanted to check out his competition.
“Let’s go, come on up here, Mike,” the president said, jokingly adding: “I like to see what these guys are like, because you know it’s competition for me.”
Trump honored the new ensigns from their stunning campus in Connecticut AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinTrump earned more laughter when requesting the presence of class president Savannah Riera of Cranford, N.J.
“Where are you Savannah?” the president asked.
“Savannah, come on up here. I have to. If I didn’t invite her up, they’d accuse me of discrimination. It’d be, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the president got sued today.’”
“She looks so fantastic. This is ridiculous,” Trump gushed as Riera appeared.
“Nothing like having a little fun, do you agree?”
Trump also offered more serious words for the group, encouraging them never to lose momentum in their careers and to think big.
“It’s much better thinking big. Small solutions yield small results,” he said. “Only big ideas will yield tremendous change and greatness.”
